Exploring Washington DC and beyond

Split, Croatia: Emperor Diocletian’s Retirement Town

As we drove into Split, I could immediately see why Emperor Diocletian chose the Illyrian province of Rome for his retirement town when he voluntarily relinquished his reign of the Roman Empire in 305. It’s a beautiful city located on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea.

We stayed at Hotel Slavija which is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. This was the view from our balcony. We loved being centrally located and walking out of our room to wander through all the alleyways.

The UNESCO designated complex is not a museum but full of shops, restaurants, bars, and apartments. There are about 3,000 people living within the palace. We took a tour with Mirijana and wandered through many of the passageways hearing about not only ancient Roman history but an update on current Croatian events, too. It was obvious our tour guide, Mirijana has a passion for her city and history.

Diocletian Palace Alleyway

Jupiter’s Temple, Diocletian’s Palace

Part of the wall in Diocletian’s Palace

In the middle ages, the Cathedral was built around Diocletian’s mausoleum which is an interesting twist of fate since he persecuted Christians at an alarming rate.

Klapa Cambi singers ~ we came across this group of a cappella singers while on our tour. The sound and setting was spectacular!

An Archway in Diocletian’s Palace

Looking out to the Adriatic sea and harbor area from the palace.

Along the promenade at sunset ~ located just outside of the Palace walls.

11 Responses

Oh, how I love this city…personally, I do prefer it to Dubrovnik, because of its rougher charme. Dubrovnik is pittoresque, but Split is more “alive” and less of a tourist trap. Although I have always been with locals, so I don’t really know about tourist traps. But that is of course only my opinion. In any case, it is a stunningly beautiful part of the world.

I love your pictures. We are headed to Slovenia Oct. 1. Got any tips besides Split? We have been to Slovenia before and will be traveling more into Croatia. The hotel sounds great, were the rates good? Do you have other recommendations while we’re there?
I am your grandps’s 1st cousin and grew up with him.

Hi Barbara ~ I’m happy to volunteer as a tour guide in Croatia 🙂 Not that my two days there makes me qualified but I make up for lack of expertise with enthusiasm. I had a couple private messages asking me for more details about what we did in Split so I’m going to post an “If you go” today with a few more suggestions.

Thanks Darlene! Glad you like the photos. It’s a fantastic place for any history buff. And even someone who just wants to wander around looking at interesting buildings. Maybe there are cheap flights from Spain!